2009 August
Aug 25
The Valencian Tomatina Festival
icon1 valenciablogger | icon2 Valencia | icon4 08 25th, 2009| icon31 Comment »

Back in 1945 two Valencian boys fought by throwing tomatoes at each other. From that moment on was the start of what we know today as the Tomatina, one of the most famous Spanish festivals worldwide. The Tomatina is a battle of tomatoes. It’s hilarious : no bulls, no weapons ! Only thousands of tomatoes that are thrown among the congregated crowd. Everything takes place in the town of Buñol, close to Valencia on the last Wednesday of August. Every year this original festival attracts many young and enthusiastic people, searching for excitement and entertainment based on tomatoe throwing. During the lively battle, the participants have fun throwing tomatoes at everybody.

tomatina

The party starts at 9 am in the Town Square where people can have a delicious breakfast courtesy of the Town Hall. Before the battle, a huge pile of tomatoes with a delicious Spanish cured ham on the top is setup. Among the general chaos, the boldest and bravest person will attempt to climb the tomato mountain to win the juicy prize. Meanwhile, some people throw water from the balconies to the participants, that are ready for the imminent battle. At eleven o’clock the fight begins.

A truck full of “red ammunition” announces its arrival with the sound of a horn. Those who are on the trailer open fire, throwing the first tomatoes at the participants. Everybody gets crazy and so the battle begins. Finally, the truck stops, drops its shipment, and everybody tries to take some tomatoes.

People are eager to get their “arms” and in a few seconds everything turns red. Many trucks full of tomatoes, continue dropping tomatoes until a second shot anounces the ends of the hostilities. Precisely at this moment the most difficult and arduous task is about to start: to clean the brave warriors whose mind is already on next year’s Tomatina festival !

Do you want to live through an amazing and unique experience such as this? You just have to rent your apartments in Valencia and you’re good to go ! You’ll have a fabulous stay and be able to enjoy the magnificent sea and white sandy beaches, too.

Aug 18
FRA – Festival Rock Alaquàs 2009
icon1 valenciablogger | icon2 Valencia | icon4 08 18th, 2009| icon3No Comments »

It’s summer time and as usual, many festivals are taking place in Spain. Many of them are rather interesting and some are internationally recognized and feature stars from all over the world. Others are less famous but also quite worthwhile.

Many of those “smaller festivals” offer a great atmosphere and quality gigs. If you’re up for it, come and check out the FRA or Festival Rock Alaquàs. This year is the 12th edition of this event. People come from lots of countries by car or caravan to participate in this show. You’ll find a mixed audience among which are lots of youngsters who have come especially to enjoy good music.

FRA 2009

It will start on August 29th in a festive and hot atmosphere. You’ll dance to rock music but also electro and dance… one sure thing: you won’t rest at night. Among the bands that were chosen, you’ll see the Pinker Tones, JESÚS Ordovás, ZABAXE, MOSEX, and INDEFINITS… The FRA ( Festival Rock Alaquàs ) is one of the yearly events to select famous bands but local bands too.

Don’t worry about quality; you’ll get to see bands such as Black Lips Cycle. They will be part of the show along with DJs and national bands. They also played at the Primavera Sound in Barcelona, so if you missed out on this huge festival, here is your chance to catch up! The great part of this event is that it’s really affordable, so come and enjoy great music without spending loads of money!

Shows will start around 8:30 at the Sequieta Park near Valencia. Famous bands will play first and then the stage will be taken over by the local bands. If you manage to find some time to sleep, rent an apartment in Valencia and enjoy the rest of the week end.

Aug 12

The Grand Prix of Europe which takes place on 23rd August in Valencia, Spain looks set to be a thrilling race. Jensen Button, the current leader in the championship has said that his Brawn will be better in Valencia and that he hopes to put behind him the last few races where his car has failed to perform well.

valencia-gp-circuit

Felipe Massa seems to be recovering from the terrible accident he suffered at the Hungary circuit last month when a coil came off the back of Ruben Barichello’s car and hit Massa. He underwent a life saving operation in Hungary and he’s just been discharged from hospital and is now in Brazil making a full recovery.

Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher is preparing his return to racing a Formula 1 car and the ex world champion will stand in for Felipe Massa until the Brazilian makes a full recovery. Michael Schumacher has already been seen testing an F2007 at Mugello in Italy but looks like any testing of Felipe Massa’s car is out of the question due to a few teams boycotting any testing by Schumacher. Apparently Ferrari asked the other teams if they wouldn’t mind and they all said ‘no’.

‘Schumi’ has also undergone a special fitness programme to get him fit for F1 racing but it appears that much preparation won’t be necessary as he is an extremely fit person. Sources say that since his retirement in 2006 his race fitness level hasn’t really dropped as he’s kept up the same fitness regime as always. He will still have to pass a medical exam in order to race though.

Brazilian Nelson Piquet junior has been sacked by Team Renault and we can only assume that this has been because of his not very brilliant performance behind the wheel of an F1 car this season.

Valencia’s street circuit will be full of thrills without a doubt and there will be a full crowd waiting to see if Jensen Button can continue with his success with the Brawn car. Fernando Alonso’s fans will be waiting patiently to see if there’s a chance that the double world champion will race and others, if not the majority will look forward to seeing Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula One racing. If he manages to get into the top 10 I’m sure many of his fans will be pleased.

The Valencia Grand Prix 2009 will take place on August 23rd. Why not make it extra special and rent apartments in Valencia. You are guaranteed a thrilling race!